It’s back again, that little pocket of magical fun and madness tucked away in the Ribble Valley.
As could be expected, this year’s Beatherder Festival doesn’t look like it’ll disappoint. From international superstars to festival favourites, the line-up has it all and everything in between.
‘Milkshake’ singer Kelis tops the bill, along with dub pioneer Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry and original hip hop dons, The Sugarhill Gang. These world-renowned acts will be joined by a plethora, a delusion, a glut of talented performers plus their loyal groupies.
There’ll be something for everyone, with Beatherder boasting as diverse a line-up as can be imagined for a festival of its size. Manchester boys Chimpo and Mr Scruff will make the short trip up the M66, no doubt bringing with them the good tunes, vibes and Eccles cakes that fair city is famous for. Parody EDL member Captain Hotknives will also be spreading his own unique brand of merriment, frivolity and audience participation at sites across the festival.
But when you come away from this special festival, it won’t be the line-up that sticks in your mind.
It will be the hidden spots and secret places that are dotted around: the groups of postwomen from Burnley dressed as nuns, the group of nuns dressed as postwomen, the secret woodland swimming pool, the workingwoman’s club, the blind dates and the UN Security Council of hippies, the Smokey Tentacles tent. It’s in exploring these quirky and crazy spots that Beatherder comes alive, and it’s the people you will meet along the way that explain why the festival is so loved.
Even if it rains (which it probably will) the summer starts at Beatherder. Herd ‘em up!
Words: Josh Fenton-Thomas
